{{tnr}}'''Terry E. Branstad''' (b. November 17, 1946 Leland, [[Iowa]]) is the 42nd and current [[Governor of Iowa]]. A [[Republican]], Branstad previously served as the 39th governor from 1983 to 1999, making him the state's longest serving governor as well as the longest serving governor in U.S. History.<ref> [http://blog.lib.umn.edu/cspg/smartpolitics/2013/04/the_top_50_longest_serving_gov.php ''Smart Politics,'' "The Top 50 Longest-Serving Governors of All Time," April 10, 2013] </ref> During the interim he served as president of Des Moines University.<ref> [http://www.nga.org/cms/home/governors/current-governors/col2-content/main-content-list/terry-e-branstad.html ''National Governors Association,'' "Iowa Governor Terry E. Branstad," Accessed April 6, 2013] </ref>

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{{tnr}}'''Terry E. Branstad''' (b. November 17, 1946, Leland, [[Iowa]]) is the 42nd and current [[Governor of Iowa]]. A [[Republican]], Branstad previously served as the 39th governor from 1983 to 1999, and came out of political retirement to win the 2010 gubernatorial election, becoming the state's longest serving governor as well as the longest serving governor in U.S. History.<ref> [http://blog.lib.umn.edu/cspg/smartpolitics/2013/04/the_top_50_longest_serving_gov.php ''Smart Politics,'' "The Top 50 Longest-Serving Governors of All Time," April 10, 2013] </ref> During the interim he served as president of Des Moines University.<ref> [http://www.nga.org/cms/home/governors/current-governors/col2-content/main-content-list/terry-e-branstad.html ''National Governors Association,'' "Iowa Governor Terry E. Branstad," accessed April 6, 2013] </ref>

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Branstad won a three-way primary to secure the Republican nomination in 2010, taking just over 50 percent of the vote to defeat Bob Vander Plaats and [[Rod Roberts]].<ref> [http://theiowarepublican.com/2010/branstad-wins-republican-primary/ ''The Iowa Republican,'' "Branstad Wins Republican Primary," June 8, 2010] </ref> He went on to defeat incumbent [[Democrat]] [[Chet Culver]] and three third party candidates on November 2, 2010. Culver's loss made him the first Iowa incumbent governor to lose election since 1962.<ref> [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/02/AR2010110208688.html ''Washington Post,'' "GOP ex-Gov. Branstad wins Iowa governor race," November 2, 2010] </ref>

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Branstad won a three-way primary to secure the Republican nomination in 2010, taking just over 50 percent of the vote to defeat Bob Vander Plaats and [[Rod Roberts]].<ref> [http://theiowarepublican.com/2010/branstad-wins-republican-primary/ ''The Iowa Republican,'' "Branstad Wins Republican Primary," June 8, 2010] </ref> He went on to defeat incumbent [[Democrat]] [[Chet Culver]] and three third party candidates on November 2, 2010. Culver's loss made him the first Iowa incumbent governor to lose election since 1962.<ref> [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/02/AR2010110208688.html ''Washington Post'', "GOP ex-Gov. Branstad wins Iowa governor race," November 2, 2010] </ref>

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Branstad served as [[Lieutenant Governor]] from 1979 to 1983 and in the [[Iowa House of Representatives]] from 1973 to 1979. Eligible for re-election in 2014, Branstad has not officially declared his campaign but when asked in late 2012 stated, "I love what I'm doing. So that should be an indication."<ref> [http://www.kcci.com/news/politics/Branstad-may-run-in-2014/-/9356970/17597732/-/ucecw1/-/index.html ''KCCI,'' "Branstad may run in 2014," November 29, 2013]</ref>

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Branstad served as [[Lieutenant Governor]] from 1979 to 1983 and in the [[Iowa House of Representatives]] from 1973 to 1979.

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An analysis of Republican governors by Nate Silver of the ''New York Times'' in April 2013 ranked Branstad as the 6th most conservative governor in the country.<ref> [http://fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/16/in-state-governments-signs-of-a-healthier-g-o-p/?smid=tw-share&_r=0 ''New York Times,'' "In State Governments, Signs of a Healthier G.O.P.," April 16, 2013]</ref>

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Branstad {{2014isrunning}} for re-election in 2014.<ref name=gov2014>[http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2014/01/15/its-official-terry-branstad-will-run-for-sixth-term-as-iowa-governor/article ''The Desmoines Register,'' "It’s official: Terry Branstad will run for sixth term as Iowa governor," January 15, 2014]</ref><ref name=reelec14>[http://branstadreynolds.com/home/ ''Branstad and Reynolds 2014 Official campaign website,'' "Homepage," accessed November 7, 2013]</ref><ref> [http://www.kcci.com/news/politics/Branstad-may-run-in-2014/-/9356970/17597732/-/ucecw1/-/index.html ''KCCI,'' "Branstad may run in 2014," November 29, 2013]</ref> He easily won the [[Republican]] nomination in the primary on June 3, 2014, and will appear alongside running-mate and current [[Lieutenant Governor of Iowa|Lieutenant Governor]] [[Kim Reynolds]] on the November general election ballot.

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An analysis of Republican governors by Nate Silver of the ''New York Times'' in April 2013 ranked Branstad as the 6th most conservative governor in the country.<ref> [http://fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/16/in-state-governments-signs-of-a-healthier-g-o-p/?smid=tw-share&_r=0 ''New York Times,'' "In State Governments, Signs of a Healthier G.O.P.," April 16, 2013]</ref> Branstad is a member of the executive committee of the [[National Governors Association]]. He, along with eight other governors, will determine the association's priorities and actions for the year. He was named to this leadership role in August, 2013.<ref>[http://www.nga.org/cms/home/news-room/news-releases/2013-news-releases/col2-content/nga-announces-new-executive-2013.html ''[[National Governors Association]],'' NGA Announces New Executive Committee Leadership, August 4, 2013]</ref>

==Biography==

==Biography==

Branstad is an Iowa native, originally deriving form Norwegian ancestry. He studied at the Unveristy of Iowa and at Drake University, finishing his law degree in 1974. In between his undergraduate and graduate schooling, Branstad joined the Army and served in Vietnam from 1969 to 1971, earning the Army Commendation Medal.

Branstad is an Iowa native, originally deriving form Norwegian ancestry. He studied at the Unveristy of Iowa and at Drake University, finishing his law degree in 1974. In between his undergraduate and graduate schooling, Branstad joined the Army and served in Vietnam from 1969 to 1971, earning the Army Commendation Medal.

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Following three terms in Iowa's House of Representatives, Terry was elected Lt. Governor in 1978. In the following election cycle, he won the governorship. 36 at the time he entered the governor's office, he holds the distinction of being Iowa's youngest chief executive. Branstad's first stint as governor, covering four terms from 1983 to 1999, makes him Iowa's longest serving governor.

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Following three terms in Iowa's House of Representatives, Branstad was elected Lt. Governor in 1978. In the following election cycle, he won the governorship. 36 at the time he entered the governor's office, he holds the distinction of being Iowa's youngest chief executive. Branstad's first stint as governor, covering four terms from 1983 to 1999, makes him Iowa's longest serving governor.<ref> [http://votesmart.org/candidate/biography/21728/terry-branstad#.UfkrZ233NyI ''Project Vote Smart'', "Governor Terry E. Branstad's Biography," accessed July 31, 2013] </ref>

In 1991, he earned the perpetual animosity of organized labor when he vetoed a salary bill for labor unions in spite of binding arbitration. The union sued and eventually won, in AFSCME Iowa Council 61 et al., v. Branstad. Beginning in 2003, Branstad spent slightly over six years as President of Des Moines University, boosting the school's graduate ranking and seeing DMU become the Wellness Council of America's first Platinum Recognition university.

In 1991, he earned the perpetual animosity of organized labor when he vetoed a salary bill for labor unions in spite of binding arbitration. The union sued and eventually won, in AFSCME Iowa Council 61 et al., v. Branstad. Beginning in 2003, Branstad spent slightly over six years as President of Des Moines University, boosting the school's graduate ranking and seeing DMU become the Wellness Council of America's first Platinum Recognition university.

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He also founded the law firm of Branstad and Associates, L.L.C and additionally accepted a partnership in Kaufman, Patee, Branstad & Miller. Simultaneously, Branstad served as financial adviser to Robert W. Baird and Co., Inc. and was a visiting professor at the University of Iowa. His appointment as Des Moines University's leader came after President George W. Bush named him head of the President's Commission for Excellence in Special Education.

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He also founded the law firm of Branstad and Associates, L.L.C and additionally accepted a partnership in Kaufman, Patee, Branstad & Miller. Simultaneously, Branstad served as financial adviser to Robert W. Baird and Co., Inc. and was a visiting professor at the University of Iowa. His appointment as Des Moines University's leader came after President George W. Bush named him head of the President's Commission for Excellence in Special Education.<ref name=iagov/>

He retired from DMU in October of 2009 to launch a gubernatorial exploratory committee and officially entered the race in January of 2010.

He retired from DMU in October of 2009 to launch a gubernatorial exploratory committee and officially entered the race in January of 2010.

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===Education===

===Education===

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[[File:Terry Branstad attends recommissioning ceremony for USS Iowa, Apr 28, 1984.JPEG|thumb|150px|left|Branstad during his first term as governor, 1984.]]

[[File:Terry Branstad attends recommissioning ceremony for USS Iowa, Apr 28, 1984.JPEG|thumb|150px|left|Branstad during his first term as governor, 1984.]]

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===Governor of Iowa (1983-1999, 2011-present)===

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===Governor (1983-1998, 2011-present)===

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Branstad was first elected governor in November, 1982. From 1983-1999, he was the state's longest serving chief executive officer. He retired after 1999 only to re-emerge in 2010 and run for a fifth term. He was elected and sworn in in January of 2011.<ref name=iagov>[https://governor.iowa.gov/about/ ''Office of the Governor of Iowa Terry Branstad,'' "About the Governor," accessed October 27, 2012]</ref>

Branstad was first elected governor in November, 1982. From 1983-1999, he was the state's longest serving chief executive officer. He retired after 1999 only to re-emerge in 2010 and run for a fifth term. He was elected and sworn in in January of 2011.<ref name=iagov>[https://governor.iowa.gov/about/ ''Office of the Governor of Iowa Terry Branstad,'' "About the Governor," accessed October 27, 2012]</ref>

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Branstad serves as co-chairman the the Council of Governors, a group of five Republican and five Democratic governors assembled for the purpose of liaising with federal government officials about the National Guard and homeland security issues. Branstad was first appointed to the leadership role in March 2011 and re-appointed by President Obama on February 21, 2013. The current Democratic co-chair is [[Governor of Maryland|Maryland Governor]] [[Martin O'Malley]].<ref>[http://www.wbal.com/article/97857/3/template-story/President-Obama-Appoints-Governor-OMalley-To-New-Position ''WBAL,'' "President Obama Appoints Governor O'Malley To New Position," February 25, 2013]</ref><ref>[http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2013/02/21/iowa-gov-terry-branstad-will-continue-to-lead-national-council-of-governors/article ''The Des Moines Register,'' "Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad will continue to lead national council of governors," February 21, 2013]</ref>

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Branstad serves as co-chairman of the Council of Governors, a group of five Republican and five Democratic governors assembled for the purpose of liaising with federal government officials about the National Guard and homeland security issues. Branstad was first appointed to the leadership role in March 2011 and re-appointed by President Obama on February 21, 2013. The current Democratic co-chair is [[Governor of Maryland|Maryland Governor]] [[Martin O'Malley]].<ref>[http://www.wbal.com/article/97857/3/template-story/President-Obama-Appoints-Governor-OMalley-To-New-Position ''WBAL,'' "President Obama Appoints Governor O'Malley To New Position," February 25, 2013]</ref><ref>[http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2013/02/21/iowa-gov-terry-branstad-will-continue-to-lead-national-council-of-governors/article ''The Des Moines Register,'' "Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad will continue to lead national council of governors," February 21, 2013]</ref>

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===Controversies===

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====Issues====

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====Appointment of son to state commission====

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=====Job creation ranking=====

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{{Govs by job creation ranking 2013|Name=Branstad|Number=28}}

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=====2012 presidential election=====

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In May 2011, Gov. Branstad offered heaping praise for U.S. House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan for his ideas to tackle the country’s mushrooming national debt.

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“I have been very impressed with this young man,” Branstad said. “I think he has great courage. Nobody of either party has had the guts to stand up and say, ‘We need to take on entitlements’ … I think this is the first real effort to do something significant about it.”

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Branstad sharply criticized Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich, President [[Barack Obama]] and U.S. Senate Democrats for playing politics with the issue and attacking Ryan for his plan. Ryan's plan included turning Medicare into a voucher program, rather than offering alternatives.<ref>[http://statehousenewsonline.com/2011/05/23/branstad-impressed-with-ryan-says-gingrich-made-a-mistake/ "Branstad: Impressed with Ryan; says Gingrich made a mistake," By Lynn Campbell, ''IowaPolitics.com'', May 23, 2011]</ref>

In Spring 2014, a string of scandals inside the Branstad administration caused a steep downturn in Branstad's job approval and trust rating among Iowa voters. In a short space of time, Branstad was accused of using his office to commit or facilitate a variety of crimes and improprieties, such as: the wrongful firing of a state trooper who nabbed the governor for speeding, crooked dealings state judge, abuse in an Iowa juvenile home and giving hush-payments to fired state employees claiming to victims of political revenge. Amid the resulting storm of bad press directed at Branstad and his office, the governor maintained a policy of denying knowledge or involvement in these alleged transgressions. According to an April 22 Public Policy Poll for ''Progress Iowa'', 83% of Iowa voters said they were either somewhat or very aware of the scandals and 56% indicated they were unconvinced by Branstad's official line of denial.<ref name=progressiowa/> In addition, 30% of respondents said they think Branstad should resign, with 36% believing he should stay and 34% responding "Not sure." Besides shedding voters' doubt on Branstad's honesty and integrity, these allegations have cost the jobs of numerous state department leaders, including the firing of Iowa's administrative department head, and prompted state lawmakers to call for an independent investigation, as of the poll's publication date.<ref name=progressiowa>[http://progressiowa.org/sections/blog/5355545ed86413d91a0000e1 ''Progress Iowa'', "NEW POLL: Branstad Approval Rating Plummets After Scandals," April 22, 2014]</ref><ref>[http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/investigations/2014/04/08/iowa-secret-settlements-documents-indicate-hush-money/7471143/ ''The Des Moines Register'', "Branstad fires state director over secret settlement scandal," April 8, 2014]</ref>

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=====Appointment of son to state commission=====

On March 1, 2013, Branstad appointed his son to the state [[Iowa Director of Natural Resources|Natural Resources Commission]].<ref>[http://iowacity.patch.com/articles/patch-poll-was-iowa-gov-terry-branstad-s-appointment-of-son-to-state-board-appropriate ‘’Iowa City Patch,'' “Patch Poll: Was Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad’s appointment of son to state board appropriate?,” March 2, 2013]</ref> Branstad named his 29 year old son, Marcus Branstad, a lifelong outdoor sportsman and “advocate for Iowa’s hunting, fishing and wildlife,” to the seven member, partisan-balanced, panel of unpaid individuals charged with handling “contested cases related to fish, wildlife, conservation law enforcement, and park and forestry programs.”<ref>[http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20130302/NEWS09/303020031/Branstad-nominates-son-to-Iowa-agency?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Frontpage ‘’The Des Moines Register,'' “Branstad nominates son to Iowa Agency,” March 2, 2013]</ref>

On March 1, 2013, Branstad appointed his son to the state [[Iowa Director of Natural Resources|Natural Resources Commission]].<ref>[http://iowacity.patch.com/articles/patch-poll-was-iowa-gov-terry-branstad-s-appointment-of-son-to-state-board-appropriate ‘’Iowa City Patch,'' “Patch Poll: Was Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad’s appointment of son to state board appropriate?,” March 2, 2013]</ref> Branstad named his 29 year old son, Marcus Branstad, a lifelong outdoor sportsman and “advocate for Iowa’s hunting, fishing and wildlife,” to the seven member, partisan-balanced, panel of unpaid individuals charged with handling “contested cases related to fish, wildlife, conservation law enforcement, and park and forestry programs.”<ref>[http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20130302/NEWS09/303020031/Branstad-nominates-son-to-Iowa-agency?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Frontpage ‘’The Des Moines Register,'' “Branstad nominates son to Iowa Agency,” March 2, 2013]</ref>

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Branstad said that he had preemptively cleared the choice with Senate Majority leader [[Michael Gronstal]], nonetheless, Iowa Sen. [[Jeff Danielson]] (D), the chairman of the Senate State Government Committee, predicted that the appointments would face some resistance in the Democrat-controlled [[Iowa Senate|State Senate]].<ref name=nepot>[http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20130305/NEWS10/303050044/Branstad-defends-appointment-of-son-to-resource-panel ‘’The Des Moines Register,'' “Branstad defends appointment of son to resource panel,” March 4, 2013]</ref> Greg Drees, one of the two commissioners who lost their seats on the board this year, did not conceal his disappointment at being replaced by Marcus Branstad, speculating to a reporter from ‘’The Des Moines Register,'' that “You would think a guy would get notice after serving six years...And he appoints his son. Isn’t that interesting?”<ref name=nepot/> The Iowa Senate ultimately confirmed Branstad's appointment to the commission on April 8, 2013.<ref>[http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20130415/NEWS10/130415003/Governor-s-son-Marcus-Branstad-confirmed-by-Iowa-Senate-natural-resources-post ''The DesMoines Register,'' "Governor's son, Marcus Branstad, confirmed by Iowa Senate to natural resources post," April 15, 2013]</ref>

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Branstad said that he had preemptively cleared the choice with Senate Majority leader [[Michael Gronstal]]. Nonetheless, Iowa Sen. [[Jeff Danielson]] (D), the chairman of the Senate State Government Committee, predicted that the appointments would face some resistance in the Democrat-controlled [[Iowa Senate|State Senate]].<ref name=nepot>[http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20130305/NEWS10/303050044/Branstad-defends-appointment-of-son-to-resource-panel ‘’The Des Moines Register,'' “Branstad defends appointment of son to resource panel,” March 4, 2013]</ref> Greg Drees, one of the two commissioners who lost their seats on the board in 2013, did not conceal his disappointment at being replaced by Marcus Branstad, speculating to a reporter from ''The Des Moines Register,'' that “You would think a guy would get notice after serving six years...And he appoints his son. Isn’t that interesting?”<ref name=nepot/> The Iowa Senate ultimately confirmed Branstad's appointment to the commission on April 8, 2013.<ref>[http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20130415/NEWS10/130415003/Governor-s-son-Marcus-Branstad-confirmed-by-Iowa-Senate-natural-resources-post ''The DesMoines Register,'' "Governor's son, Marcus Branstad, confirmed by Iowa Senate to natural resources post," April 15, 2013]</ref>

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====Possibility to appoint entire Iowa Supreme Court after 2016====

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=====Possibility to appoint entire Iowa Supreme Court after 2016=====

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Since beginning his fifth nonconsecutive gubernatorial term in 2011, Branstad has appointed three Justices to the [[Judgepedia:Iowa Supreme Court|Iowa Supreme Court]]. Under the current judicial selection system, supreme court hopefuls submit applications to the State Judicial Nominating Commission, "a panel of licensed attorneys elected by lawyers and lay members appointed by the governor and all confirmed by the Iowa Senate," created by constitutional amendment in 1962.<ref name=supcourt>[http://qctimes.com/news/state-and-regional/iowa/branstad-has-chance-of-being-st-governor-to-appoint-all/article_129347de-1fe0-11e2-a07e-001a4bcf887a.html ''Quad-City Times,'' "Branstad has chance of being 1st governor to appoint all 7 Supreme Court justices," October 27, 2012]</ref> The Commission members, who serve concurrent rather than staggered terms as a result of the 2010 redistricting process, reviews the applications for judicial vacancies and presents three finalists to the governor, who in turn chooses one to appoint to the state Supreme Court. Since Branstad's return to office, Iowans and state government officials have speculated about a number of factors, such as the new contemporaneous terms of commissioners, and "hypotheticals,"<ref name=supcourt/> like Branstad's election to a record-breaking sixth-term in 2014 and Supreme Court Justice and Iowa voters ousting Justice David Wiggins in the 2012 general election. If Wiggins loses his retention vote in November, Branstad, with the help of the State Judicial Nominating Commission, would appoint a replacement. If that occurs, there will be only three remaining justices on the panel not appointed by Branstad, and they will be up for retention vote in 2016. All three, including the Chief Justice [[Judgepedia:Justice Mark Cady|Mark Cady]], were involved in the unanimous 2009 same-sex marriage legalization ruling, for which displeased voters fired three Justices in 2010. If Wiggins and the three Justices leftover from the 2009 ruling are all voted off the bench, and Branstad is re-elected in 2014, he will "become the first governor in history to appoint the entire Iowa Supreme Court."<ref name=supcourt/>

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In the first half of his fifth nonconsecutive gubernatorial term, Branstad appointed three Justices to the [[Judgepedia:Iowa Supreme Court|Iowa Supreme Court]]. Under the current judicial selection system, supreme court hopefuls submit applications to the State Judicial Nominating Commission, "a panel of licensed attorneys elected by lawyers and lay members appointed by the governor and all confirmed by the Iowa Senate," created by constitutional amendment in 1962.<ref name=supcourt>[http://qctimes.com/news/state-and-regional/iowa/branstad-has-chance-of-being-st-governor-to-appoint-all/article_129347de-1fe0-11e2-a07e-001a4bcf887a.html ''Quad-City Times,'' "Branstad has chance of being 1st governor to appoint all 7 Supreme Court justices," October 27, 2012]</ref> The Commission members, who serve concurrent rather than staggered terms as a result of the 2010 redistricting process, reviews the applications for judicial vacancies and presents three finalists to the governor, who in turn chooses one to appoint to the state Supreme Court. Following Branstad's return to office, people began speculating about how he could end up appointing the entire Supreme Court. The uncommon - likely unprecedented - plausibility of this outcome relied on various institutional factors, such as the new contemporaneous terms of commissioners, as well as hypothetical factors.<ref name=supcourt/> These included Branstad's election to a record-breaking sixth-term in 2014 and Supreme Court Justice and Iowa voters ousting Justice David Wiggins in the 2012 general election. Wiggins ultimately won his retention vote in November 2012; Had he lost, Branstad, with the help of the State Judicial Nominating Commission, would have appointed a replacement, leaving only three justices on the panel not appointed by Branstad. All three, including the Chief Justice [[Judgepedia:Justice Mark Cady|Mark Cady]], were involved in the unanimous 2009 same-sex marriage legalization ruling, for which displeased voters fired three Justices in 2010, making them seem vulnerable to losing their 2016 retention votes. Even if the three Justices leftover from the 2009 ruling were voted off the bench and Branstad were to win in 2014, Wiggins' 2012 upset effectively removed the possibility Branstad would "become the first governor in history to appoint the entire Iowa Supreme Court," for at least another four-year term.<ref name=supcourt/>

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Despite concerns that this possible outcome would give the governor unprecedented influence over the Supreme Court and threaten the nonpartisan credibility of the judicial, former Republican lawmaker and Branstad staffer asserted that "the filtration process... really minimizes the potential danger of one governor appointing all the justices,” alluding to the State Judicial Nominating Commission's check on the governor's authority to exercise excessive bias in his appointments. “I think our merit selection system insulates the system from that concern or at least helps to assure that that should not be a cause for alarm,” agreed Iowa State Bar Association President Cynthia Moser, however Iowa State Bar Association officials point out the potential vulnerabilities facing the merit-based selection system since the commission's term structure changed two years ago. Now Branstad could appoint half of the panel's new members.<ref name=supcourt/>

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Dismissing concerns this could lend the governor too much influence over the Supreme Court and threaten the nonpartisan credibility of the judicial, a former Republican lawmaker and Branstad staffer asserted that "the filtration process... really minimizes the potential danger of one governor appointing all the justices,” alluding to the State Judicial Nominating Commission's check on the governor's authority to exercise excessive bias in his appointments. “I think our merit selection system insulates the system from that concern or at least helps to assure that that should not be a cause for alarm,” agreed Iowa State Bar Association President Cynthia Moser, although Iowa State Bar Association officials pointed out the potential vulnerabilities facing the merit-based selection system in the wake of the 2010 commission term rule changes, under which Branstad could appoint half of the panel's new members.<ref name=supcourt/>

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====Veto found unconstitutional====

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=====Veto found unconstitutional=====

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Polk District Court Judge [[Judgepedia:Brad McCall|Brad McCall]] ruled on December 8, 2011 that Branstad's line-item veto that closed 36 unemployment offices is unconstitutional. Branstad called the case a key test of gubernatorial authority and expressed confidence that the [[Judgepedia: Iowa Supreme Court|state Supreme Court]] would uphold the veto.

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Polk District Court Judge [[Judgepedia:Brad McCall|Brad McCall]] ruled on December 8, 2011 that Branstad's line-item veto that closed 36 unemployment offices was unconstitutional. Branstad called the case a key test of gubernatorial authority and expressed confidence that the [[Judgepedia: Iowa Supreme Court|state Supreme Court]] would uphold the veto.

At a news conference On December 12, Branstad stated, "It's really more of a question of precedent and the power of the governor to control spending through the item veto process. This is an important case because it is going to determine for the future and for future governors their ability to control spending and provide the best and most efficient services to the people of Iowa."<ref name="BW">[http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9RJ4LQG0.htm ''BusinessWeek,'' "Iowa Gov: Workforce Development veto will prevail," December 12, 2011]</ref>

At a news conference On December 12, Branstad stated, "It's really more of a question of precedent and the power of the governor to control spending through the item veto process. This is an important case because it is going to determine for the future and for future governors their ability to control spending and provide the best and most efficient services to the people of Iowa."<ref name="BW">[http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9RJ4LQG0.htm ''BusinessWeek,'' "Iowa Gov: Workforce Development veto will prevail," December 12, 2011]</ref>

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The [[AFSCME]] and five state representatives filed suit in August, arguing the veto was unconstitutional as it redirected the money. Senate Majority Leader [[Michael Gronstal]] (D) stated, "You can't reject the purpose for the spending, but keep the money, which is exactly what he did."<ref name="BW"/> The court agreed, stating the allocation would have to be vetoed as well in order for the action to be legal.<ref>[http://www.kcci.com/the-iowa-caucus-extended-coverage/29955393/detail.html ''KCCI,'' "Court Rules In IWD Office Closing Lawsuit," December 8, 2011]</ref>

The [[AFSCME]] and five state representatives filed suit in August, arguing the veto was unconstitutional as it redirected the money. Senate Majority Leader [[Michael Gronstal]] (D) stated, "You can't reject the purpose for the spending, but keep the money, which is exactly what he did."<ref name="BW"/> The court agreed, stating the allocation would have to be vetoed as well in order for the action to be legal.<ref>[http://www.kcci.com/the-iowa-caucus-extended-coverage/29955393/detail.html ''KCCI,'' "Court Rules In IWD Office Closing Lawsuit," December 8, 2011]</ref>

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Branstad said they are asking for a stay of the district court's decision, and will ask for an expedited review by the state Supreme Court.<ref>[http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-ia-branstad-workforc,0,3022948.story ''Chicago Tribune,'' "Branstad: Workforce Development veto will prevail," December 12, 2011]</ref>

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Branstad said they would ask for a stay of the district court's decision and an expedited review by the state Supreme Court.<ref>[http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-ia-branstad-workforc,0,3022948.story ''Chicago Tribune,'' "Branstad: Workforce Development veto will prevail," December 12, 2011]</ref>

===Iowa Lieutenant Governor (1979-1983)===

===Iowa Lieutenant Governor (1979-1983)===

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===Iowa State House of Representatives (1973-1979)===

===Iowa State House of Representatives (1973-1979)===

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Branstad was first elected to the [[Iowa House of Representatives]] in 1972. He was subsequently re-elected in 1974 and 1976. <ref name=iagov/>

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Branstad was first elected to the [[Iowa House of Representatives]] in 1972. He was subsequently re-elected in 1974 and 1976.<ref name=iagov/>

''On The Issues'' conducts a [http://www.ontheissues.org/Quiz/Quiz2012.asp?quiz=Pres2012 VoteMatch] analysis of elected officials based on 20 issue areas. Rather than relying on incumbents to complete the quiz themselves, the VoteMatch analysis is conducted using voting records, statements to the media, debate transcripts or citations from books authored by or about the candidate. Based on the results of the quiz, Branstad is a '''Moderate Conservative.''' Branstad received a score of 35 percent on social issues and 71 percent on economic issues.<ref name=''ontheissues''/>

Branstad {{2014isrunning}} for re-election as governor in 2014.<ref name=gov2014/><ref>[http://whotv.com/2012/12/02/culver-running-former-governor-considers-reelection/ ''WHOTV Des Moines,'' "CULVER PLANS: Former Governor Considers Future," December 2, 2012]</ref><ref name=reelec14/> Branstad won the [[Republican]] nomination in the primary on June 3, 2014. He is sharing the ticket with 2010 running-mate and current [[Lieutenant Governor of Iowa|Lieutenant Governor]] [[Kim Reynolds]] in the general election. {{Nov2014genelection}}

In May 2011, Gov. Branstad offered heaping praise for U.S. House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan for his ideas to tackle the country’s mushrooming national debt.

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“I have been very impressed with this young man,” Branstad said. “I think he has great courage. Nobody of either party has had the guts to stand up and say, ‘We need to take on entitlements’ … I think this is the first real effort to do something significant about it.”

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Branstad sharply criticized Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich, President [[Barack Obama]] and U.S. Senate Democrats for playing politics with the issue and attacking Ryan for his plan. Ryan's plan includes turning Medicare into a voucher program, rather than offering alternatives.<ref>[http://statehousenewsonline.com/2011/05/23/branstad-impressed-with-ryan-says-gingrich-made-a-mistake/ "Branstad: Impressed with Ryan; says Gingrich made a mistake," By Lynn Campbell, ''IowaPolitics.com'', May 23, 2011]</ref>

Terry E. Branstad (b. November 17, 1946, Leland, Iowa) is the 42nd and current Governor of Iowa. A Republican, Branstad previously served as the 39th governor from 1983 to 1999, and came out of political retirement to win the 2010 gubernatorial election, becoming the state's longest serving governor as well as the longest serving governor in U.S. History.[1] During the interim he served as president of Des Moines University.[2]

Branstad won a three-way primary to secure the Republican nomination in 2010, taking just over 50 percent of the vote to defeat Bob Vander Plaats and Rod Roberts.[3] He went on to defeat incumbent DemocratChet Culver and three third party candidates on November 2, 2010. Culver's loss made him the first Iowa incumbent governor to lose election since 1962.[4]

An analysis of Republican governors by Nate Silver of the New York Times in April 2013 ranked Branstad as the 6th most conservative governor in the country.[8] Branstad is a member of the executive committee of the National Governors Association. He, along with eight other governors, will determine the association's priorities and actions for the year. He was named to this leadership role in August, 2013.[9]

Biography

Branstad is an Iowa native, originally deriving form Norwegian ancestry. He studied at the Unveristy of Iowa and at Drake University, finishing his law degree in 1974. In between his undergraduate and graduate schooling, Branstad joined the Army and served in Vietnam from 1969 to 1971, earning the Army Commendation Medal.

Following three terms in Iowa's House of Representatives, Branstad was elected Lt. Governor in 1978. In the following election cycle, he won the governorship. 36 at the time he entered the governor's office, he holds the distinction of being Iowa's youngest chief executive. Branstad's first stint as governor, covering four terms from 1983 to 1999, makes him Iowa's longest serving governor.[10]

In 1991, he earned the perpetual animosity of organized labor when he vetoed a salary bill for labor unions in spite of binding arbitration. The union sued and eventually won, in AFSCME Iowa Council 61 et al., v. Branstad. Beginning in 2003, Branstad spent slightly over six years as President of Des Moines University, boosting the school's graduate ranking and seeing DMU become the Wellness Council of America's first Platinum Recognition university.

He also founded the law firm of Branstad and Associates, L.L.C and additionally accepted a partnership in Kaufman, Patee, Branstad & Miller. Simultaneously, Branstad served as financial adviser to Robert W. Baird and Co., Inc. and was a visiting professor at the University of Iowa. His appointment as Des Moines University's leader came after President George W. Bush named him head of the President's Commission for Excellence in Special Education.[11]

He retired from DMU in October of 2009 to launch a gubernatorial exploratory committee and officially entered the race in January of 2010.

Education

BA, University of Iowa (1969)

JD, Drake University School of Law (1974)

Political career

Branstad during his first term as governor, 1984.

Governor of Iowa (1983-1999, 2011-present)

Branstad was first elected governor in November, 1982. From 1983-1999, he was the state's longest serving chief executive officer. He retired after 1999 only to re-emerge in 2010 and run for a fifth term. He was elected and sworn in in January of 2011.[11]

Branstad serves as co-chairman of the Council of Governors, a group of five Republican and five Democratic governors assembled for the purpose of liaising with federal government officials about the National Guard and homeland security issues. Branstad was first appointed to the leadership role in March 2011 and re-appointed by President Obama on February 21, 2013. The current Democratic co-chair is Maryland GovernorMartin O'Malley.[12][13]

Issues

Job creation ranking

In a June 2013 analysis by The Business Journals looking at 45 of the country's 50 governors by their job creation record, Branstad was ranked number 28. The five governors omitted from the analysis all assumed office in 2013. The ranking was based on a comparison of the annual private sector growth rate in all 50 states using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.[14][15]

2012 presidential election

In May 2011, Gov. Branstad offered heaping praise for U.S. House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan for his ideas to tackle the country’s mushrooming national debt.

“I have been very impressed with this young man,” Branstad said. “I think he has great courage. Nobody of either party has had the guts to stand up and say, ‘We need to take on entitlements’ … I think this is the first real effort to do something significant about it.”

Branstad sharply criticized Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich, President Barack Obama and U.S. Senate Democrats for playing politics with the issue and attacking Ryan for his plan. Ryan's plan included turning Medicare into a voucher program, rather than offering alternatives.[16]

Presidential preference

Controversies

Allegations of scandal in Branstad administration

In Spring 2014, a string of scandals inside the Branstad administration caused a steep downturn in Branstad's job approval and trust rating among Iowa voters. In a short space of time, Branstad was accused of using his office to commit or facilitate a variety of crimes and improprieties, such as: the wrongful firing of a state trooper who nabbed the governor for speeding, crooked dealings state judge, abuse in an Iowa juvenile home and giving hush-payments to fired state employees claiming to victims of political revenge. Amid the resulting storm of bad press directed at Branstad and his office, the governor maintained a policy of denying knowledge or involvement in these alleged transgressions. According to an April 22 Public Policy Poll for Progress Iowa, 83% of Iowa voters said they were either somewhat or very aware of the scandals and 56% indicated they were unconvinced by Branstad's official line of denial.[18] In addition, 30% of respondents said they think Branstad should resign, with 36% believing he should stay and 34% responding "Not sure." Besides shedding voters' doubt on Branstad's honesty and integrity, these allegations have cost the jobs of numerous state department leaders, including the firing of Iowa's administrative department head, and prompted state lawmakers to call for an independent investigation, as of the poll's publication date.[18][19]

Appointment of son to state commission

On March 1, 2013, Branstad appointed his son to the state Natural Resources Commission.[20] Branstad named his 29 year old son, Marcus Branstad, a lifelong outdoor sportsman and “advocate for Iowa’s hunting, fishing and wildlife,” to the seven member, partisan-balanced, panel of unpaid individuals charged with handling “contested cases related to fish, wildlife, conservation law enforcement, and park and forestry programs.”[21]

Branstad said that he had preemptively cleared the choice with Senate Majority leader Michael Gronstal. Nonetheless, Iowa Sen. Jeff Danielson (D), the chairman of the Senate State Government Committee, predicted that the appointments would face some resistance in the Democrat-controlled State Senate.[22] Greg Drees, one of the two commissioners who lost their seats on the board in 2013, did not conceal his disappointment at being replaced by Marcus Branstad, speculating to a reporter from The Des Moines Register, that “You would think a guy would get notice after serving six years...And he appoints his son. Isn’t that interesting?”[22] The Iowa Senate ultimately confirmed Branstad's appointment to the commission on April 8, 2013.[23]

Possibility to appoint entire Iowa Supreme Court after 2016

In the first half of his fifth nonconsecutive gubernatorial term, Branstad appointed three Justices to the Iowa Supreme Court. Under the current judicial selection system, supreme court hopefuls submit applications to the State Judicial Nominating Commission, "a panel of licensed attorneys elected by lawyers and lay members appointed by the governor and all confirmed by the Iowa Senate," created by constitutional amendment in 1962.[24] The Commission members, who serve concurrent rather than staggered terms as a result of the 2010 redistricting process, reviews the applications for judicial vacancies and presents three finalists to the governor, who in turn chooses one to appoint to the state Supreme Court. Following Branstad's return to office, people began speculating about how he could end up appointing the entire Supreme Court. The uncommon - likely unprecedented - plausibility of this outcome relied on various institutional factors, such as the new contemporaneous terms of commissioners, as well as hypothetical factors.[24] These included Branstad's election to a record-breaking sixth-term in 2014 and Supreme Court Justice and Iowa voters ousting Justice David Wiggins in the 2012 general election. Wiggins ultimately won his retention vote in November 2012; Had he lost, Branstad, with the help of the State Judicial Nominating Commission, would have appointed a replacement, leaving only three justices on the panel not appointed by Branstad. All three, including the Chief Justice Mark Cady, were involved in the unanimous 2009 same-sex marriage legalization ruling, for which displeased voters fired three Justices in 2010, making them seem vulnerable to losing their 2016 retention votes. Even if the three Justices leftover from the 2009 ruling were voted off the bench and Branstad were to win in 2014, Wiggins' 2012 upset effectively removed the possibility Branstad would "become the first governor in history to appoint the entire Iowa Supreme Court," for at least another four-year term.[24]

Dismissing concerns this could lend the governor too much influence over the Supreme Court and threaten the nonpartisan credibility of the judicial, a former Republican lawmaker and Branstad staffer asserted that "the filtration process... really minimizes the potential danger of one governor appointing all the justices,” alluding to the State Judicial Nominating Commission's check on the governor's authority to exercise excessive bias in his appointments. “I think our merit selection system insulates the system from that concern or at least helps to assure that that should not be a cause for alarm,” agreed Iowa State Bar Association President Cynthia Moser, although Iowa State Bar Association officials pointed out the potential vulnerabilities facing the merit-based selection system in the wake of the 2010 commission term rule changes, under which Branstad could appoint half of the panel's new members.[24]

Veto found unconstitutional

Polk District Court Judge Brad McCall ruled on December 8, 2011 that Branstad's line-item veto that closed 36 unemployment offices was unconstitutional. Branstad called the case a key test of gubernatorial authority and expressed confidence that the state Supreme Court would uphold the veto.

At a news conference On December 12, Branstad stated, "It's really more of a question of precedent and the power of the governor to control spending through the item veto process. This is an important case because it is going to determine for the future and for future governors their ability to control spending and provide the best and most efficient services to the people of Iowa."[25]

The case began in July 2011 when Branstad vetoed portions of a budget bill that would have prohibited closure of the offices. In taking the action, the governor stated that allowing the legislation to proceed would have hurt the ability of the Iowa Workforce Development Department from creating a more efficient system for helping the unemployed.[26]

The AFSCME and five state representatives filed suit in August, arguing the veto was unconstitutional as it redirected the money. Senate Majority Leader Michael Gronstal (D) stated, "You can't reject the purpose for the spending, but keep the money, which is exactly what he did."[25] The court agreed, stating the allocation would have to be vetoed as well in order for the action to be legal.[27]

Branstad said they would ask for a stay of the district court's decision and an expedited review by the state Supreme Court.[28]

On The Issues Vote Match

On The Issues conducts a VoteMatch analysis of elected officials based on 20 issue areas. Rather than relying on incumbents to complete the quiz themselves, the VoteMatch analysis is conducted using voting records, statements to the media, debate transcripts or citations from books authored by or about the candidate. Based on the results of the quiz, Branstad is a Moderate Conservative. Branstad received a score of 35 percent on social issues and 71 percent on economic issues.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag;
refs with no content must have a name

On The Issues organization logo.

The table below contains the results of analysis compiled by staff at On The Issues.

Elections

2014

Branstad ran for re-election as governor in 2014.[5][31][6] Branstad won the Republican nomination in the primary on June 3, 2014. He is sharing the ticket with 2010 running-mate and current Lieutenant GovernorKim Reynolds in the general election. The general election took place November 4, 2014.

Incumbent standing before re-election

Before Branstad formally launched his campaign, polls showed him in excellent standing for re-election, with an average lead of 20 percentage points in hypothetical general election match-ups.[32] Branstad had looked considerably less secure around the time ex-Democratic challenger Tyler Olson entered the race in July 2013, with only 43 percent of polled voters saying they believed the governor deserved to be re-elected and 54 percent answering that he held office long enough, even though 51 percent approved of his performance. A December 2013 poll by Quinnipiac University gave him a boost of 8 percent in both approval and "deserves to be re-elected" categories.[33][34] By mid-March 2014, polls continued to show Branstad sitting comfortably at 63 percent job approval and Hatch trailing behind by 15 points.[35]

Candidate withdrawals

Democratic State Rep. Tyler Olson declared his candidacy for governor in July 2013 and was considered a strong contender for the party's nomination before withdrawing from the race in December 2013.[36] He decided to drop out following the announcement of his separation from wife Sarah Olson, who had been an instrumental part of his family-oriented campaign.[37][38] Olson's withdrawal was followed soon thereafter by former state Sen. Bob Krause's announcement he was shutting down his campaign. Their absences cleared the path for remaining Democratic hopeful Jack Hatch to face Branstad in the general election. Krause immediately gave Hatch his support, while Olson declined to endorse Hatch upon dropping out of the race.[36][39]General electionPolls in October 2014

Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.

Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.

*The April 19-20 Progress Iowa poll is displayed above as two separate polls to delineate responses registered before and after respondents were provided information on recent scandals effecting the administration of Gov. Branstad.

Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.

Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.

Campaign donors

Comprehensive donor information for Brandstad is available dating back to 1998. Based on available campaign finance records, Brandstad raised a total of $9,831,020 during that time period. This information was last updated on July 10, 2013.[40]

Terry E. Branstad's Campaign Contribution History

Year

Office

Result

Contributions

2012

Governor of Iowa

$898,390

2010

Governor of Iowa

$8,896,196

1998

Governor of Iowa

$36,434

Grand Total Raised

$9,831,020

2010

Ballotpedia collects information on campaign donors for each year in which a candidate or incumbent is running for election. The following table offers a breakdown of Terry Branstad's donors each year.[41] Click [show] for more information.

Terry Branstad's Campaign Contributions

2010Governor of Iowa

Total Raised

$8,896,196

Total Raised by General Election Opponent

$6,519,028

Top 5 contributors

Republican Governors Association

$1,230,331

Bruce Rastetter

$162,712

Eldon & Regina Roth

$152,000

Joe Crookham

$102,500

Mark Falb

$101,000

Individuals

$6,505,760

Institutions

$2,110,989

In-state donations

$6,660,042

Out-of-state donations

$2,163,200

Personal

Terry and Chris Branstad have three grown children and four grandchildren.[11]

Recent news

This section displays the most recent stories in a Google news search for the term "Terry + Branstad + Iowa + Governor"

All stories may not be relevant to this page due to the nature of the search engine.

↑The questions in the quiz are broken down into two sections -- social and economic. In social questions, liberals and libertarians agree in choosing the less-government answers, while conservatives and populists agree in choosing the more-restrictive answers. For the economic questions, conservatives and libertarians agree in choosing the less-government answers, while liberals and populists agree in choosing the more-restrictive answers.